Thursday, March 26, 2020
DOES IT ALL
Continued from page 5 “He was very approachable as a teacher and knew a lot about the topics that he taught,” Rose said. “He was somebody you could always go and talk to, whether it was about school related stuff or not. It was a fun and welcoming setting to be a part of. You could always have fun and joke around with him, but also have a serious conversation.”
VALLEY PROFILES little looser with his students than in the classroom. “The relationships I have with the kids are a little more personal, I let my hair down a little bit more,” said Marcussen. “I’ve been around coaches that are very strict, just as strict as they are in the classroom, and not that I didn’t learn anything from those coaches, but it’s good for kids to see a different side of you.”
He added, “I’m a 55 year old fat guy playing basketball, so if i hit a 3 on you, I’m trash talking all the way down the floor. And that’s what I was doing when I was 25, and that’s what Marcussen works to make an I’m doing when I’m 55. My wife says impact, not just as teacher, but as a coach. The educator has coached just I have to grow up some day, but I about every sport he knows, includ- haven’t figured that out yet.” ing cross county, football, boys and One thing that made Marcussen an girls basketball, trap shooting, and volleyball in South Dakota. Over the effective coach for Rose was his willingness to put his trust in students. years, he’s had teams and athletes qualify for state, along with subsection and conference victories. He “He relied on the students and the players and gave them a lot of trust,” was the first Le Sueur-Henderson boys basketball coach to net the pro- said Rose. “I was fortunate enough to be one of the captains, and he gram a conference championship. gave a lot of responsibility and trust While on the court, Marcussen says to the captains. It was just unique how he communicates effectively that he has an opportunity to be a
Coach
PAGE 7
Don Marcussen serves as a teacher, coach and mentor for the students of Le Sueur-Henderson, emphasizing practical, everyday lessons and personal responsibility. (Carson Hughes/ Le Sueur County News) and leads by example.” Teaching kids to learn and take responsibility is a central through-line Don Marcussen has hosts a Coaches vs. Cancer event for Le Sueur-Henderson. (Le Sueur County News) between Marcussen’s coaching and teaching career. When he’s teaching you’re coming off of a loss, I want ‘Bad officiating,’ or ‘So-and-so didn’t understanding that they themselves personal finance, he challenges kids you to understand why you lost,” do a very good job.’ The negative are not perfect and are willing to to manage their own budget. When said Marcussen. “Don’t look for part of it comes out so fast. take that responsibility.” he’s coaching, he challenges kids to excuses, look for reasons to improve be leaders and to accept and learn on. That’s still difficult for some kids. For Marcussen, everything is a from failure. When they’ve lost, and you ask them teachable moment: “When a kid says how a game went, and the first thing ‘We didn’t play very well or I didn’t “When you’re on my team, and that comes out of their mouth is do a very good job,’ they get a little
Call the HOUSE for all your insurance needs. We are an independent insurance agency representing Auto Owners, Owners, Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance, Fairmont Farmers Mutual, Allied-Nationwide, AAA - West Bend, Progressive, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Medica and other speciality companies. We can design insurance policies customized to fit your individual needs. Contact us for a free insurance proposal - we look forward to serving you!
Darian Hunt
Le Center Office 22 South Lexington 507-357-2221
Randy Hunt
Matt Steffen
Hayley Hunt
Montgomery Office 103 Oak Ave S.E. 507-364-5511
